Protesters outraged over officer’s actions
VIDEO SHOWS LETHBRIDGE OFFICER EUTHANIZING DEER WITH POLICE TRUCK
The front of the Lethbridge police station headquarters was packed Sunday afternoon with about 100 protestors, who made their voices heard regarding the release of a video of a police officer repeatedly running over an injured deer last week.
The horrific video, filmed by a bystander on Jan. 5, shows an unidentified officer running over the animal multiple times with his truck as it shrieked throughout the 15-minute video. Following the release of the video, a petition demanding for the officer to be fired now has more than 66,000 signatures.
“When I saw the video for the first time I was horrified and I knew what he did was inhumane,” says Brian Sharp.
“There were better ways for the officer to deal with the situation. I understand not wanting to use his gun in a residential area, but he should have stopped after the first attempt. I have signed the petition because I don’t believe an officer should ever treat an animal as cruel as he did.”
An investigation has been launched into the officer’s actions in the incident by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). Lethbridge Police Service released a statement last week addressing the situation, stating that they welcome the ASIRT investigation to help identify any gaps in the police policy when it comes to euthanizing injured animals.
“I hope that something good will come out of the investigation because no animal should ever be treated like that,” says Carrie Jenkin. “It’s very disappointing to see someone in the position they are in act like that and I hope that there will be more regulations to handle these situations.”
Animal activists and locals who were disturbed by the actions of the officers gathered outside the police station with signs demanding the officer be fired, and for proper respect for an injured animal that requires euthanization.
Lethbridge Police have said that the unnamed officer involved in the incident will remain on active duty throughout the investigation. ASIRT says they understand the passion people have for this case, but reports there have been various death threats against the officer. Lethbridge Police continue to work with ASIRT through the investigation and no other information has been released at this time.